iPad app development is a different monster than iPhone. The main thing is the larger screen size, yes, but do you there’s more difference than what meets the eye?

In general, good iPad developers know that designing apps for iPhone and iPad are two completely different things. You need to reimagine your whole layout and content placement tactics.

Given, that you don’t need so much work like making a new app altogether. But still, iPad app development is different. And if you don’t clearly understand that, you’ll build one of those shallow, bad-UX apps that discourage people from thinking that iPad app development is a totally different thing.

Also, let’s talk a bit about iPad gaming. The games on iPad are truly immersive. From the weight and feel of the iPad to the better resolution on a higher screen size – iPad Game Development is a mini-industry in itself.

A little something for those people transitioning over from iPhone app development to iPad development: it might be good to know the differences, right? There aren’t plenty, I warn you (or rather assure you?).

A better, more appealing visual app,Better laid out content,Beautiful use of pictures and multimedia content,More features squeezed within the screen, andMore exposure to content.

When you’re developing for the Pad, you better know your audience’s habits. They can (and should) be provided with more content, as long as you maintain a visual hierarchy and content flow.

Splashed images can be used as HD covers. Or perhaps artistic layouts can be made experimenting with white space. The world is yours.

In general, the user interface and experience changes when you’re developing for iPads. Your aim is to utilize the space without causing strain to the eye. For example, you can’t have a small next button on the top left of the window title. Or, worse yet, you can’t have a small call to action blip in the app’s footer area while most of your main content area is inked with the default white.

That’s just bad. No, that’s a horror.

It’s a good practice to make wireframes first. Make these wireframes for all screens you will possibly have. And in these wireframes, utilize grids. Grids are not just lines. Grids are actually squares slashed with lines on all sides. Multiple such square blocks create gaps (or gutter or alley space) between them. When you place content using these grids, you’ll automatically have a good use of breathing space and unity in your final design.

So, go by these general guidelines and read our other article, The Modern Rules of iPad app developement for four technical regulations you should employ to develop for iPads.

Authored by Dallas Phillips. Dallas is a lazy couch potato. But just give him a MacBook and an iPad application’s requirements – and magic will happen. Dallas is extremely skilled in designing for iPads. He understands the nuts and bolts of developing an app for the iPad users. His skill in ipad app development is thus unmatched. To know more about his work, visit: